[jimkri]

Super interesting to read! I have noticed a huge benefit from just adding Metamucil to my diet. The following lines from the article really resonate.

>Insoluble fibers have fecal-bulking characteristics that may promote regular bowel movements and avoid constipation.

>"Specifically, soluble fiber binds to bile acids in the intestine"

I have started to take Metamucil more frequently because I was taking an algae supplement, Spirulina & Chlorella, and it was moving through me so fast because I noticed I had no bulk from a low fiber diet. It made a huge improvement in bulking and slowed my bowel movements.

I also noticed before adding the fiber that I just would feel acidic, rude, or short-tempered in a different way, and my stomach was really acidic. Adding the fiber really did help, and it's cool to see articles and research backing it up.

[m463]

I kind of wonder what the best form of added fiber should be.

The thing about metamucil is that it has either added sugar or artificial sweeteners. the main ingredient is psyllium husk.

I like benefiber better - no taste, just sprinkle on food. But I don't know how wheat dextrin compares to psyllium husk (or other fibers)

A nurse I talked to takes psyllium husk by itself, and I wonder if that is better than metamucil.

[thisislife2]

I kind of wonder what the best form of added fiber should be.

There are plenty of foods rich in fiber that you don't need to consider supplements. The article itself mentions - Foods high in soluble fiber including avocados, whole grains, chickpeas, apples, lentils, broccoli, brussels sprouts, certain seeds, and artichokes. Most fruits and vegetables also have varying amount of fiber, as does some variety of rice, millets and wheat (that are common in some Asian diets). See https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/nutrition/... for more.

[jimkri]

This is a really good callout. I think trying different types helps to see what works best for you and to fit into your lifestyle.

I also have plain psyllium husk, and I avoided it because I liked the sugar of the Metamucil. But I have been focusing on lowering my sugar, so I'm switching to the plain psyllium husk, and it's just as easy to drink; it was really a little mental game of how it would taste, haha.

[chrisweekly]

The 3-in-1 capsules are no sugar, just 2 ingredients: psyllium husk, gelatin. Swallow w/ water, taste is not a factor.

[twentyfiveoh1]

inulin? beneficial if your gut microbiome is functioning well. There have been some recent studies that found dietary fiber is protective of the liver as well by preventing fructose fat deposits from building up. It also doesn't taste too bad. A tiny little bit of something semi-sweet.

[dpark]

Benefiber is wheat dextrin. It doesn’t have most of the properties that you want from a fiber supplement. It gets digested by gut microbes so it doesn’t provide bulk. It doesn’t gel so it doesn’t help with cholesterol or blood sugar.

Near as I can tell Benefiber is basically a placebo. People feel good for adding “fiber” to their diet but it has none of the effects of psyllium husk or oat fiber.

Psyllium husk by itself (power, not capsules) is utterly disgusting by the way. Tastes like dirt. You can hide it in protein shakes or similar but I personally struggle to get it down with just water.

[tanseydavid]

I avoided Metamucil for a long time, because "only old people use that."

Contempt without prior investigation and denial of my mortality is the true reason.

But once I started taking it I was sorely disappointed in myself that I did not start at least 10 years sooner.

Perhaps un-branded supplemental fiber is unburdened by the old people connotation? I probably still would have resisted.

[jimkri]

I thought the same thing! My mom used it when I was younger, and I always passed on trying it because of that random memory and association.

I just got past the Metamucil to plain psyllium husk. I felt the plain version was going to taste bad, but it was just plain and not sugary. It's funny the concepts that can lead to certain small behaviors.

[pfdietz]

I've tried various fiber supplements, mostly for avoiding constipation, but what I found really worked is bran flakes.

[wil421]

Did you have heartburn? I’m curious if adding Metamucil would help with that after hearing you feel less acidic.

[jimkri]

I do, and when I actively and consistently take Metamucil or a psyllium husk, it has helped. I recently stopped because I ran out and forgot to buy more, and I have noticed the heartburn again.

[InMice]

I think it can help for some. You have to be careful which brands, CR did tests for lead. yerba prima organic was the best